Out of the Pit
28 Feb 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: burrows, Chapman, chronic, comfort, compassion, Curtis, depression, faithfulness, fatigue, fiona, God, illness, love, Ministries, pain, rest, Stephen, trust
“Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. . .for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” (Psalm 86:6-7,13,15,17 NIV)
The last month or so have been pretty difficult for me, as I’ve struggled with feeling depressed and just plain sick of always being in pain. I was tired and worn out and in need of some time to rest and gain some better perspective on what life is for me. But more than that, where God wants me to be in it and what He would have me do.
The above Psalm assures me that God doesn’t leave me at these times. He is still there listening for my cries, giving me His grace, and comforting me in my pain.
In the midst of feeling down, I came across the album of songs that Steve Curtis Chapman wrote in the year following the tragic death of his daughter. They highlight so beautifully, how his family have trusted in God, even when it was hard to accept what had happened.
I let the following words wash over me, again and again, because that’s what I want to do – trust in the God who does know what He’s doing.
“And I will trust You, I’ll trust You
Trust You God, I will
Even when I don’t understand
Even then I will say again
You are my God
And I will trust You” *
I’m grateful for the way these words came into my life, just at the time I needed them most. We don’t need to always understand, we just need to trust in the one who does. He has promised to always hear us as these verses say, and help and comfort us.
*Steve Curtis Chapman – I will Trust You – You can click here to watch a video and hear this song. Beautiful!
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life as she lives with chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for writing, travel and photography.
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Crazy Quilt Comfort
27 Feb 2010 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Alice, chronic, comfort, depression, Ervin, fatigue, illness, Ministries, pain, rest, sharing
“I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one, as We are one: I in them, and You in Me.” John 17:22
Are any of you old enough to remember your Mother making quilts (or crazy quilts as we called them)? Well, I am, and I am so thankful to have some of the quilts my Mom made. They bring back so many memories. Some good, some not so good. Being from a family of nine children, we went through a lot of clothes. But, my Mom never wasted anything.
As I look at these quilts now, I see a piece of a dress or skirt I wore years ago, or a piece of a blouse, or maybe pajamas that belonged to my sisters. Pieces of Mom’s aprons bring back so many memories. Pieces of the boys’ flannel and cotton shirts they outgrew or became too worn to wear anymore. I could go on and on as to where the pieces came from.
What do quilts have to do with chronic illness? Well, I look at how each piece represents a different part of my life, or maybe my body. Right now I feel bits of my life are being used by God to share with you – both the good parts and the bad. And, in return, I am blessed and helped when you share what is going on in your lives. Together, we are fashioning a beautiful “quilt” of sorts by sharing the devotionals God gives us. Bits and pieces of our lives that remind us that He will never stop using us to further His Kingdom, if we are willing vessels.
I know you have heard the expression that “God never wastes our pain.” I can see that so well as I read each devotional you all share. God has chosen “pieces” of our pain, depression, fatigue, and so on, and is fashioning a “crazy quilt of comfort,“ of sorts, as we help each other get through the difficult, and sometimes almost impossible days of chronic illness.
The mismatched “pieces” of our lives make no sense lying there in “God’s sewing basket.” But when sewn together by His mighty hand, I can almost see the beautiful finished product we are becoming. I feel so blessed to be a piece of “God’s crazy quilt of comfort” with all of you.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for seeing fit to use even the pieces of my life that I would like to throw away.
About the Author:
Alice Ervin lives in Dayton, Ohio. She is ever so thankful for the ways she and her husband are still able to be used to further the Kingdom of God, in spite of living with several chronic illnesses which seem to multiply almost daily.
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Assurance We Are Never Alone
26 Feb 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic, Crohn's, Douglas, fatigue, fear, illness, Karlton, loneliness, Ministries, pain, presence, rest, Spirit
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Heb. 13:5 NIV)
Many people endure loneliness. Sometimes family and friends are far away from us. At other times affliction or some particular trial can make us feel very alone and isolated.
There was an elderly woman I knew who died years ago. I can remember having a conversation with her on this subject of loneliness.
Her ordeal with loneliness had taken an ugly turn to the point she was nearly paralyzed with the fear of being alone and lived in a constant state of anxiety. I understood something of what she was going through because I too had felt that kind of anxiety during the worst times of my illness. Loneliness can be a terrifying experience for many people.
What I learned through my suffering and feelings of loneliness is that we are never truly alone. God promises that He will never forsake us. Jesus tells us that His Holy Spirit, the Comforter, will abide with us forever.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever” (John 14:16 NIV).
This is what I told the elderly lady, that Jesus is always with us through His Spirit so that we are never truly alone. What’s more, the very angels of God are watching over us to protect us–so we have nothing to fear. If these truths can sink down into our hearts and fill our minds, we can drive away the loneliness and the fear that comes with it. If we truly get a revelation that Jesus is with us–loneliness can never hold sway over us again.
Prayer: Dear Lord, chase away our fears of loneliness and fill us instead with the presence of Your Spirit. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. With God’s help he has survived many years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease. He is author of the book: Chronic Illness.
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Making Waiting Worthwhile
25 Feb 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic, fibromyalgia, frustration, hopekeepers, illness, Lisa Copen, lonely, pain, patience, plan, purpose, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, waiting
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
My son recently turned seven years old and if you have been with Rest Ministries for over seven years you may remember the day he came home with my husband and I through the gift of adoption.
Waiting is hard. There are many of you I know who are waiting for something. It may be test results that tell you if you have cancer or not. You may be waiting on the decision of an insurance company, which will financially determine if you get to keep your home. You may be waiting for a child through adoption or some other means. Many are waiting for a job or some kind of income, and I know that many of you are waiting for a decision on financial disability assistance from the government.
Patience truly is a virtue (1 Timothy 6:11) because God knows it is not easy. Some people say, “I’m not praying God will open that door or shut it, but that He will reveal His will.” My choleric personality makes waiting difficult and my instinct has always been to push the door down and pray, “Lord, I’m comin’ through. Stop me if this is not Your will!”
Waiting does not have to be a time of sitting on the couch watching bad reality television shows however. You can find a balance between pushing the door down and wasting precious time.
We are to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” And then we will know our work is never in vain. When I discovered many years ago that becoming pregnant was likely not in my future, I distinctly remember praying, “Lord, I accept Your will, but if I cannot have a baby right now, I need some kind of ‘baby’ while I wait.”
The result of that prayer is Rest Ministries. God created a calling in my heart for those with chronic illness and I had the time to develop the ministry. Six years later, when I became a mom, I was very grateful for the time God had given me to build the ministry on a strong foundation. I hope it also has made me a better wife and mom.
Waiting can feel very unfulfiling, lonely, empty, and wasteful, but we can make conscious choice to serve God even if we feel like He has stuck us in a waiting room of life right now. You may find that the reward He will reveal in that waiting room will be much greater than you would’ve discovered anywhere else.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen and is the founder of Rest Ministries and has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. She resides in San Diego with her husband and seven-year-old son. She is the author of a variety of books including Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend.
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Homeowner
24 Feb 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: anxiety, chronic, doubt, Holy Spirit, home, hopekeepers, illness, lynn severance, pain, peace, presence, refuge, rest, rest ministries
“I will not enter my house or go to my bed — I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Psalm 132:3-5 NIV).
During the years of Jesus’ ministry he was a transient, going where his Father sent him, preaching to crowds who gathered, resting when he could with his disciples, a few close friends, or alone. When a man inquired about following him, Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20 NIV).
When Jesus completed his redemptive act, he restored the path that leads me back to my eternal home. Then he lovingly sent his Holy Spirit to dwell within me. He accompanies me on this journey. I have sometimes wondered how he must feel in my fragile and challenged body. Then I recognize that any strength, love, compassion and acceptance I have is fueled by his presence.
His heart within me changed what was a lonely house into a true home. I want him to find rest here. More importantly he wants me to be at rest and to receive all that he can give. He wants his dwelling place to be a refuge for both of us. He has made me a homeowner!
St. Augustine reflected, “You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” My “rest” responsibility is to remain vigilant and prevent the intrusion of sin, doubt, fear, envy, self-pity, or anxiety to disturb our home’s peace.
If human rest seems impossible, the Holy Spirit is ready to soothe. I have learned to turn to him for understanding and compassion. His love is unconditional. I learn that my love is to be likewise. As we spend time together at home, our relationship grows and deepens.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that your Holy Spirit has come to make all things new, including me. We dwell in peace as you make our home a haven where all you have for me is close at hand and much appreciated. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.
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The Majesty Of Sunsets
23 Feb 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic, creation, Fiona Burrows, hopekeepers, illness, pain, purpose, rest ministries, unique
‘And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. And God saw that it was good. ‘ (Gen 1:14-15, 18 NIV)
I love sunsets, but I know that sometimes I can take the beauty of a sunset for granted. We get used to them and we just expect that another will always come along tomorrow. What if the sunset you see tonight was the last one you would see? Would you be able to recall the beauty of it?
Who could have created such a beautiful sight, except our God. And every night it is different. There’s a place in Queensland where my grandparents used to live and each time we would visit there, we would go to a particular spot to watch the sun set out over the water. I have some beautiful sunset photos from just that spot, but they are all just that bit different.
God created it unique every night – and in the same way, He has created us to each be a unique being. We may all be made “in His image”, but we are all different too.
Sometimes I think we can try to fit into a mould we think others expect us to fit, and for those of us with chronic illness, that can be pretty defeating at times.
Just as the sunset is unique each time, I believe God has a unique plan for each of us and what He wants us to be. Instead of getting caught up in the expectations of other people, we need to just “be” what God calls us to be. Sunsets are made beautiful by the clouds that cross the sky, so maybe the clouds we see on our own horizon, will just add to the beauty God has planned in our lives.
Let’s see our lives as God sees them.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is learning to be grateful for the lessons God is teaching her on her journey of chronic pain. When she can, she loves to find time for writing, reading, travel and photography.
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The Purpose Of Trials
22 Feb 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic, frustration, holiness, hopekeepers, illness, joy, pain, patricia armstrong, peripheral neuropathy, rest ministries, suffering, trials, value, worship
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NIV)
This winter in Virginia has been somewhat unusual because of the extremely cold weather and more snow than usual. Cold weather often leads to increased pain levels related to various health concerns. During these cold temperatures, the pain related to my peripheral neuropathy has been quite intense.
As I was reading God’s Holy Word this morning, I was drawn to James message about considering trials pure joy. Sounds quite contrary to the way most of us (and especially me) perceive the trials we encounter in life-in fact, we strive to avoid these frustrations that get in our way.
It is the generous giving of God (giving wisdom without finding fault, giving the crown of life, giving every good and perfect gift, giving us birth) that moves us to holiness. Furthermore, going back to the very beginning of James’s message, this pursuit of holiness is not an oppressive burden but a task of joy, because of the great worth of the goal that God’s grace has made possible. God has called Christians to become mature and complete, as firstfruits of all he created. This is so high a calling and so valuable an attainment that we may consider even trials along the way pure joy!
We are conformed to Christ’s likeness through suffering. It is the potter’s hand putting pressure on the clay. If there is no suffering there is no learning. Christ called us to sacrifice and die to self in our lives. We find consistently throughout he scriptures that those who live godly are not promised prosperity and health or are kept from suffering.
Warren Weirsbe wrote, “Our values determine our evaluations. If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to count it all joy, if we live only for the present and forget the future, then trials will make us bitter not better.”
Christianity is not just worshipping God in the good times of blessings, but also in the valleys and the hardships. That is when Christ becomes the most real. That is Christ or shepherd of Psalm 23.
Whatever crowns we receive, whether they are literal or facets worked in our character as individuals, representing his glory, they are cast to the saviors feet, giving him the glory for all this was done or accomplished in our lives and others. The suffering we go through cannot be fully understood nor seen as beneficial now.
But we can rest assured it will all be worth whatever any of us went through. In God’s economy there is no waste. Let us learn to count it all joy just as Jesus did, for the joy set before him he endured the cross. It was all for us, so we can be with him, that will be eternal joy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask for strength and Your loving care so that in times of pain and times of trials, we will remember nothing can compare with Your love and Your plans for us.
About the Author:
Patricia Armstrong is a retired elementary teacher of 34 years who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Harrisonburg, VA. Patricia and her dear husband, Richard, will move full time to Harrisonburg, when Richard retires in 2 years. Patricia has been dealing with pain from peripheral neuropathy for over 12 years.
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The Me He Wants Me to Be
21 Feb 2010 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic, deni, illness, pain, perspective, self-pity
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way ever lasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)
I hate to admit I sometimes dwell in “poor me” land. Yet God is not letting me stay there. You see, I asked God to search my heart and He took me at my word.
I find I am encountering lesson after lesson causing me to grow and stretch to become the “me” He wants me to be. Many lessons have their roots in my challenges. I need to face self-pity and not wallow in it. I need to walk away from self-righteousness. (Well, if they only knew what I was going through …) Self-importance has had to be put to death as I let go of my dreams of who I thought I was going to be.
I am the first to admit that the life of chronic pain and illness is incredibly difficult. I am also becoming willing to admit that it has given me many gifts. It has made me more reliant on God than I ever have been. I am beginning to understand how He can permeate my life if I let Him. I am learning that sometimes life hurts. That is just a fact. I am learning that if I look, I can find a blessing or a gift.
I am learning how important the small stuff is. While the popular saying may be “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” I am learning to squeeze every moment of joy I can out of the small stuff. A day I am able to type without hurting? Praise God! The phone rings and it is a friend asking how I am? How I cherish it!
It sounds so contradictory to say I am becoming friends with my challenges, yet I am realizing they are challenging me to become more – and not less. More of what God wants me to be. More of who I truly am. More like Him, than ever before. Easy? No. Of the utmost value? Yes.
Prayer: Father God, Thank you that you are allowing me to see my life through new eyes: Ones that allow me to see You in every moment of my life. Amen.
About the Author:
Deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her daily challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest prayer that some of her lessons might be helpful to others as they walk the path of daily challenges. Deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com. Her webpage is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement
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Blues and Blessings
20 Feb 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Alice, birds, chronic, Ervin, faithfulness, God, illness, Word
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)
The bodies of those of us who live with chronic illness surely do dictate what we can or cannot do. Sometimes I sit and cry out, “Why does life have to be so unfair?” One of those times was this past year when I had to miss both my grandson’s and granddaughter’s graduations due to some of the chronic illnesses I have.
I have a favorite chair by the patio door where I can sit and watch the beautiful birds as they come and go to the feeders on my deck.
I notice several birds fly directly onto the deck floor instead of going to the feeder. They eat the food the others have thrown out. But, does this make the food they eat any less filling and nutritious? No! They don’t mind at all not having to fight the crowds around the feeders in order to get their little tummies filled.
I see a lesson in this for me. Even though chronic illness is confining, I have to think that some of the times my being left behind is a way of God protecting me from other illnesses I might be exposed to if I go out to every function I wish to attend.
God provided spiritually for me in the same way He does the birds by sending others before me who were willing to walk with Him, suffer for Him, eat from the ultimate “Feeder” so to speak. All I need to help me through this troublesome life has been handed/thrown down through the ages, much as the birdfeed that ends up on the deck. All I have to do is read His Holy Word to be fed.
If God sees to the needs of even the little birds, He will see to all our needs, and also to lots of our “wants.” He will provide a way for me to see my grandchildren’s graduation ceremonies. It might be through the eyes of my husband as he gives me the play by play report. Or maybe by watching a DVD of the ceremony. (praise God for modern technology!) God is ever faithful – He will make a way!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for preparing a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Amen!
About the Author:
Alice Ervin is thankful for all the ways our God sees to our needs and wants. Even though she isn’t able to live her life as freely as she once did, she can still see how God fills the voids that have been created in her life by chronic illness. And, in some ways, her life is even better than it once was.
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Being Made Holy
19 Feb 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: back, Bronlynn, challenges, chronic, depression, fibromyalgia, growth, headaches, holiness, pain, physical, Spindler, spiritual
“By one sacrifice, he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 9:14).
It is difficult for me to understand that God sees me now as the perfect creation I will be in eternity. Yet because of Christ’s sacrifice, my eternal perfection has already been accomplished. Now, in this earthly life, I am being made holy. I would much rather be made perfect now and be made holy in the future, but that is not God’s plan.
The definition of holy is “to be consecrated, set apart, dedicated or devoted to the service of God’. The world is not too concerned about holiness. Many people do not even understand that concept. How can I grow in holiness as I live with health problems? Do I believe that God is using these physical challenges to increase my holiness? Scripture says I am being made holy now– it is an ongoing process in this life. Whatever God is allowing in my life must be working toward that end.
There are opportunities to increase my dedication and devotion to God even while facing health challenges. Christian music, movies, and books are all wonderful ways to promote spiritual growth and draw me closer to God. Limited abilities have the potential of changing my perspective on what is truly important in this life. Participation in any activities, regardless of how small or sporadic, provide opportunities for developing a more grateful and thankful heart. Enduring and growing in my commitment to the Lord while suffering may be examples of perseverance and strength to others, possibly spurring them on to greater dedication and faith.
Striving for holiness is an actual act of worship in which we can participate daily, even with our limitations (Romans 12:1). God uses different means in all believers– lives to change them into His likeness. Our illnesses and pains may well be the tools He is using to bring about the holiness that He desires in us. Let us allow them to finish their work, so we may be mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a heart that desires holiness. Help me to accept whatever methods you choose to conform me to Your image. Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.
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